The Gritty Virtual Assistant Blog

Dear Gritty VA:

I am starting a Virtual Assistant business to augment my income. I have a full-time job that I am intending to keep. I’ve been working remotely with a client for more than a year (limited hours; I have a lot more on my hand). I consider that as a Virtual Assistant client. I want to expand. I want to have a couple more clients. I do tech stuff (web/blog set-up, SQL server database, report development, computer upgrades, etc). Is there any advice you can give me? –RM

The first thing I’d advise you to do is get clear about what category of business you are in. Just because you work “remotely” doesn’t mean you are Virtual Assistant. The kind of work you just listed is not Virtual Assistance. Virtual Assistance is administrative support. The things you listed are more IT/tech support. If someone needs a plumber, they aren’t going to go looking for one in the Yellow Pages under “lawyer.” You have to use the proper terminology so people will understand instantly what you do and where/how to find you.

Also, consider how much of a commitment you have to offer clients if you are working part-time. People’s stuff is important to them. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it can be really difficult, not to mention stressful and exhausting, to provide a professional level of service and delivery to clients if you are still working a part-time job.

I will tell you that if IT stuff is what you do, one of the biggest advantages you could have over other IT freelancers is starting an actual, real live committed business. One of the HUGEST frustrations I’ve had in business is trying to find and work with IT pros on a freelance basis. They were so flaky and inconsistent most of the time. And because they weren’t in committed businesses, they didn’t have business-like policies and procedures in place, their service was really spotty and it took them a long time to get things done. If their priorities or interests changed, I was left holding the bag when they decided to move on to other things.  I’d have to start all over again with someone new (after pulling my hair out once again just trying to find someone else).

(Knock on wood–I’ve got a FABULOUS, WONDERFUL IT pro now.)

As an IT pro, you would give your would-be customers so much more trust and peace of mind if you offered them a committed business, one that wasn’t just working for some extra side money and they could rely on being there today and later down the road whenever they needed you.